Four Decades of Piano Excellence


For over forty years, Vincent Chambers has been elevating the piano experience for discriminating musicians throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. His client roster spans from renowned musicians and Silicon Valley leaders to families preserving their musical heritage. While his client list remains confidential, his reputation for excellence speaks volumes.

Your Local Piano Specialist


  • Musical Journey and Technical Mastery


    Vincent's musical odyssey began at age eight, evolving through years of performance and technical training. After four years of band experience, he enrolled in his father's prestigious San Francisco piano tuning school at eighteen. His natural aptitude led him to become an instructor within two years while maintaining an active career as a bass player in the Bay Area music scene.

    His pursuit of musical excellence took him to UCLA, where he developed his voice as an operatic tenor. This unique combination of performing arts and technical expertise enhanced his already exceptional ear—a crucial asset in piano technology.

    Technical Excellence and Innovation


    Today, Vincent leads Apollo Piano in Chico, and SFPianoWorks in rthe Bay Area. There he brings together his passion for music and technical precision. His specialized training from world-class manufacturers including Yamaha, Kawai, C. Bechstein, and Bösendorfer allows him to service the finest instruments with extraordinary care. His expertise extends to premium brands like Estonia, Schimmel, Grotrian, and Steinway.

    As an authorized technician for advanced player piano systems, including Yamaha Disklavier, PianoDisc, and QRS, Vincent bridges the gap between traditional craftsmanship and modern technology. His background in IT, systems integration, and digital technologies makes him uniquely qualified to handle both the mechanical and electronic aspects of contemporary pianos.

    Beyond the Workbench


    Vincent's entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish Apollo Piano, a Yamaha dealership in Chico, California, and manage a successful music school. His diverse interests—from aviation to cycling—inform his analytical approach to problem-solving. When faced with complex technical challenges, he leverages an extensive network of specialists to ensure every piano receives optimal care.

    Whether fine-tuning a concert grand or breathing new life into a beloved family heirloom, Vincent's commitment to excellence ensures each piano achieves its full potential. His approach combines old-world craftsmanship with modern precision, delivering exceptional results for every client.

Rob Vela brings a rich musical heritage and diverse expertise to piano technology, with roots extending eight generations deep in the Bay Area. Rob carries this tradition in in his work as both a musician and piano tuner/technician for Apoll Piano and SF PianoWorks.


  • His musical lineage includes Eugene Schmitz, the turn-of-the-century San Francisco mayor and conductor of the San Francisco Orchestra.

    Beginning his musical journey at age five, Vela has cultivated a comprehensive understanding of music through performance, education, and technical expertise. After early success as a recording artist and band leader, he pursued formal education at Diablo Valley College, earning dual degrees with honors in music and production, with emphasis on performance and jazz theory.

    His professional path has been marked by versatility and achievement, including a decade in fine dining where he distinguished himself as an award-winning mixologist and sommelier. This attention to detail and refined sensory skills transfer seamlessly to his work in piano technology. As an educator, Vela spent ten years teaching multiple instruments at institutions including School of Rock, where he helped shape their performance-based curriculum. He later advanced to management at Apollo School for the Arts, where he successfully implemented innovative educational approaches.

    Currently, Vela serves as lead manager for the San Francisco Unified School District's piano placement and maintenance program, overseeing 450 pianos across 210 schools. This role has rapidly expanded his technical expertise while supporting music education throughout the community. He maintains an active performance schedule with two Bay Area bands, AC & the Heatwave and The Cat House, continuing his family's legacy of contributing to the region's rich musical tradition.